A man armed with a cutlass disrupted a church vigil in Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, in protest against noise pollution from the church’s loud services.

The incident, which was captured on video, has ignited debate on social media over the impact of excessive noise from churches and other establishments in residential areas.

While some observers sympathised with the man’s frustration, others condemned his use of violence as a means of protest.

A user, #mrboboskie wrote, “Noise pollution isn’t a good thing, but the church members do not do well, dem suppose give the man correct beating for showing up with a cutlass.”

Another user #dahtgirl_ajex wrote, “I wanted to say this is not the right approach, but what if he has approached the right sources and nothing was done, and he couldn’t bear it again. You can tell he has endured enough. Please stop building churches in residential areas.”

“They will all see him as a devil, neglecting the fact that they don’t have sound proof. He can equally sue them and win the case,” #Joe_Bassey wrote.

Another user, #felixherbt, said, “You will understand his frustration if your house is near one of these Pentecostal churches. Their noise pollution is annoying.”

The Lagos State Government has previously sealed establishments, including churches, over noise pollution, highlighting the need for compliance with environmental regulations. (The Nation)